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Obama applauds The Interview's Christmas Day release

Obama applauds The Interview's Christmas Day release

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Now that Sony Pictures has allowed The Interview to premiere on Christmas Day — in select theaters, at least — we've heard nothing from exuberance at everyone involved in this story, from Seth Rogen and James Franco to Sony's unofficial head of distribution (and US President) Barack Obama.

This is a statement provided by the White House to various news outlets:

The president applauds Sony's decision to authorize screenings of the film. As the President made clear, we are a country that believes in free speech, and the right of artistic expression. The decision made by Sony and participating theaters allows people to make their own choices about the film, and we welcome that outcome.

This morning, two theaters announced that they would show The Interview on Christmas Day — the Plaza Atlanta, the Alama Drafthouse — with more to follow. Rumor has it Sony will also announce a VOD option soon.

So... Obama's seeing the film while on vacation, right?